I’m used to seeing Loggerhead Shrikes all year round here in northern Utah but they have been MIA for quite some time.
Loggerhead Shrike portrait – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light
My last sighting was about two weeks ago of a single bird and before that it had been at least since late December or January since I saw one. Their absence might have been caused by the harsh winter we had combined with the heavy snow that would have reduced their opportunities to capture their prey which in the winter would consist of small rodents like voles.
Fluffed up Loggerhead Shrike – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I’ve been waiting for them to show back up and to see them perched on top of Sagebrush or Rabbitbrush singing. It is difficult to think of them as a songbird because they act like tiny raptors at times but they are indeed songbirds. Take a listen here about halfway down the page.
I’ll be glad to see them again when they are no longer MIA.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Loggerhead Shrike photos plus facts and information about this species.
Cool shots of this beautiful bird, Mia! I hope they come back!
Strange how we really miss the birds in winter. I hope they come back soon Mia. Lovely photos in this post.
Susan, I think I have missed shrikes especially because we normally have them year round but this winter was harsh and they had to move to find food. Thanks for your comment.
hope they come back, I miss some that used to be around here. Drought has sent them on a different migration path.
Thank you Jane, I hope your shrikes come back soon too
The colors in these are beautiful, Mia. Shrikes are such fascinating birds. Hope to see more images soon!
Thanks Tami!
What a gorgeous bird!! I am worried about it being MIA… I hope that some have survived and it will return.
Nicole, thanks for your comment. I am sure the Loggerhead Shrikes will be back soon, this winter was rough on them and I think they just moved further south.
Interesting bird. I saw my first ever shrike on my deck this winter, rather large bird and haven’t seen one since. I too wouldn’t think of them as a songbird either.
Sherry, we get two Shrikes, the Loggerhead and the Northern, both of them act more like tiny raptors than song birds. They are also called Butcher Birds because they impale their prey to consume later.
Beautiful little big tyrant!!!
Thank you Maria
Lovin’ fluffy! Perfect feather exposure and catch light in the eye! You’re the best!!
Thanks Kath!
A beautiful creature, the Shrike is amazing bird, well taken Mia.
Thank you much Bob!